| City: | Perth Amboy, New Jersey |
| City Alias: | Hopelawn |
| County: | Middlesex County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:34:49 PM |
| Population: | 58,039 [See All] |
| Area Codes: | 732 / 848 / 908 |
| Classification: | Standard [Normal Street Delivery] |
| Coordinates: | 40.5215, -74.2758 |
| Land Area: | 5.099 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
ZIP Code 08861 has 58,039 residents and 17,999 households (average 3.19 persons per household). The median age is 35.1 years, younger than the state (39.9) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.6% male and 51.4% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Hispanic or Latino (81.9%) and Other / Two or More Races (50.0%, much higher than the state average of 11.3% and well above the national average of 8.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 81.9%, which is much higher than the national average (18.7%), and Other / Two or More Races share is much higher than both the state (11.3%) and national averages (8.4%).
Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 58,039Source: Census DHC |
| 2023 ACS Population Estimate: | 58,264Source: Census ACS |
| 2025 ZC Population Estimate: | 54,284Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 11,382.4 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $60,464Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 17,999Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $340,900Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.19Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.55Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 52,235 | 53,143 | 53,415 | 54,176 | 54,546 | 54,390 | 54,453 | 53,879 | 53,538 | 53,899 | 57,515 | 58,136 | 58,264 |
| Decennial Census | 53,099 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 58,039 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 35.1
Male Median Age: 33.8
Female Median Age: 36.2
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,975 | 2,040 | 2,215 | 2,249 | 2,121 | 1,970 | 1,981 | 1,908 | 1,886 | 1,909 | 1,816 | 1,751 | 1,523 | 1,110 | 773 | 451 | 273 | 237 |
| Female | 1,905 | 2,133 | 2,103 | 2,057 | 2,033 | 2,084 | 2,099 | 2,061 | 2,110 | 1,981 | 2,103 | 1,794 | 1,619 | 1,256 | 984 | 612 | 431 | 486 |
| Total | 3,880 | 4,173 | 4,318 | 4,306 | 4,154 | 4,054 | 4,080 | 3,969 | 3,996 | 3,890 | 3,919 | 3,545 | 3,142 | 2,366 | 1,757 | 1,063 | 704 | 723 |
| White: | 10,775 | 11.51% |
| Black: | 4,718 | 5.04% |
| Hispanic:* | 47,533 | 50.76% |
| Asian: | 782 | 0.84% |
| American Indian: | 761 | 0.81% |
| Hawaiian: | 33 | 0.04% |
| Other: | 29,044 | 31.01% |
| Total: | 93,646 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 28,188 | 48.57% | 33.8 years |
| Females: | 29,851 | 51.43% | 36.2 years |
| Total: | 58,039 | 100% | 35.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 25,952 | 44.54% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 4,941 | 8.48% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 13,822 | 23.72% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 13,549 | 46.98% |
| Total Population: | 58,264 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 30,893 | 53.02% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 27,371 | 46.98% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $60,464, which is far less than the state median ($101,050), is up $13,865 (29.8%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $6,993. Family households earn a median of $61,260 versus $41,364 for nonfamily households (a difference of $19,896). By gender, male median income is $53,918 and female is $41,826, which is considerably lower than the state female median ($66,569), with a current gap of $12,092 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 67.3%, which is above the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 12.3%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Production (35.3%).
Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $46,599 | $45,104 | $45,601 | $46,474 | $45,499 | $50,067 | $51,389 | $54,072 | $53,471 | $54,771 | $54,587 | $58,221 | $60,464 |
| Median Family Income | $52,735 | $50,848 | $51,296 | $52,538 | $50,761 | $54,119 | $54,803 | $55,939 | $54,969 | $53,005 | $53,705 | $59,418 | $61,260 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $27,112 | $27,796 | $27,069 | $26,358 | $26,936 | $28,889 | $30,324 | $30,843 | $31,440 | $35,818 | $36,726 | $37,615 | $41,364 |
| Median Male Income | $40,152 | $39,068 | $39,996 | $40,512 | $40,526 | $40,494 | $41,015 | $41,138 | $41,479 | $42,109 | $44,677 | $49,354 | $53,918 |
| Median Female Income | $32,259 | $30,830 | $31,707 | $31,158 | $30,675 | $30,041 | $30,574 | $30,867 | $31,926 | $33,221 | $35,256 | $38,052 | $41,826 |
| Employed: | 27,442 | 58.94% |
| Unemployed: | 3,866 | 8.30% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 15,252 | 32.76% |
| Total: | 46,560 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 5,659 | 20.62% |
| Service: | 4,917 | 17.92% |
| Sales and Office: | 5,122 | 18.66% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 2,055 | 7.49% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 9,689 | 35.31% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 27,442 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $340,900, which is considerably lower than the state median ($427,600), is up $49,300 (16.91%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $79,000. The median gross rent is $1,623, which is considerably higher than the national median ($1,348), is up $518 (46.88%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $284. Of occupied housing, owners make up 35.04% (65.51% with a mortgage, 34.49% free-and-clear) and renters 64.96% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 3.16%, which is much lower than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $291,600 | $270,700 | $254,000 | $246,400 | $247,400 | $248,500 | $247,400 | $255,500 | $261,900 | $270,900 | $281,600 | $329,600 | $340,900 |
| Less than $500: | 729 | 5.51% |
| $500 to $999: | 573 | 4.33% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 4,058 | 30.67% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 4,677 | 35.35% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 2,126 | 16.07% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 735 | 5.56% |
| $3,000 or more: | 129 | 0.97% |
| No Rent: | 204 | 1.54% |
| Total: | 13,231 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,105 | $1,114 | $1,142 | $1,170 | $1,169 | $1,196 | $1,243 | $1,306 | $1,339 | $1,374 | $1,442 | $1,556 | $1,623 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 4,675 | 22.95% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 2,461 | 12.08% |
| Renter Occupied: | 13,231 | 64.96% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 20,367 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 20,367 | 96.84% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 665 | 3.16% |
| Total Housing Units: | 21,032 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 8,358 | 39.74% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 12,556 | 59.70% |
| Other Units: | 118 | 0.56% |
| Total Housing Units: | 21,032 | 100% |
In 2023, 15.50% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (42.90%). High school or higher is 69.90%, which is markedly below the state rate (90.70%). The uninsured rate is 20.10%, which is markedly above the state rate (7.40%). Private coverage is 41.70%, which is generally lower than the state rate (71.10%). Public coverage is 44.20%, which is notably higher than the state rate (32.70%). The share of people in poverty is 17.10%, which is markedly above the state rate (7.00%), up 1.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.20 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (41.48%). College enrollment is 21.83%, which is falls below the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.
Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 6,998 | 17.97% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 4,721 | 12.12% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 12,150 | 31.20% |
| Some college, no degree: | 6,312 | 16.21% |
| Associate's degree: | 2,723 | 6.99% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 4,247 | 10.90% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 1,796 | 4.61% |
| Total: | 38,947 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 27,228 | 69.91% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 6,043 | 15.52% |
| Private Insurance: | 24,110 | 39.32% |
| Public Insurance: | 25,570 | 41.71% |
| No Insurance: | 11,631 | 18.97% |
| Total: | 61,311 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 49,680 | 81.03% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 15.9% | 17.0% | 20.1% | 19.9% | 19.8% | 17.8% | 18.5% | 16.6% | 17.3% | 17.7% | 18.0% | 16.6% | 17.1% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 1,079 | 7.67% |
| Kindergarten: | 645 | 4.58% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 5,839 | 41.48% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 3,439 | 24.43% |
| College or graduate school: | 3,073 | 21.83% |
| Total: | 14,075 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 1,724 | 12.25% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 9,923 | 70.50% |
ZIP Code 08861 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 1,042 business establishments, employing about 13,974 people with an annual payroll of $722,049,000. USPS data shows 17,017 residential mailboxes and 1,270 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 17,017Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 1,270Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 20,888Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 11,484Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 3,339Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 1,042Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $169,837,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $722,049,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 13,974Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 08861 is located in Middlesex County, New Jersey, within the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 35620) and New Jersey's 6th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 19,756,722 people, about 0.29% of whom live in ZIP Code 08861, and is subdivided into the Lakewood-New Brunswick, NJ division. It covers 5.099 sq mi of land and a water area of 1.299 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 35620Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | Lakewood-New Brunswick, NJ (CBSA Div 29484)Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 19,756,722Source: Census |
| MSA: | New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT-PASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 5.099 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 1.299 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 06Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 215.55 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ PMSASource: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 3458200Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Perth Amboy city; New JerseySource: Census |
ZIP Code 08861 is in the Perth Amboy City School District, which serves grades Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 14 public schools and 1 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.